In 2019, it was reported by Tubefilter that every minute worldwide, 500 hours of videos are uploaded to YouTube. Yes, you read that right. 500 hours. YouTube is one of the biggest marketing platforms there is and if you own a business or are trying to bring in new clients to your design business and aren’t putting videos on YouTube, then you’re leaving money on the table.
Maybe you don’t know anything about recording video and that’s ok. That’s where we come in. We want to help you grab a piece of that pie and grow your business and your client base and the best way to start doing that is with the right gear. With our list of the best cameras for YouTube, you’ll be recording videos in no time and bringing clients to your virtual door.
Let’s get started by looking at what you should consider in a camera for YouTube 2021.
5 things to consider when buying a camera for YouTube
From an outsider’s perspective, many cameras that you could use for YouTube look extremely similar. However, there are certain key factors that you should pay attention to when you start shopping.
Articulating screen
If you’re trying to film yourself, having a camera with an articulating screen is a gift from heaven. Whether it flips out of the side or pivots up to the top, each one essentially gives you a live preview of what you’re recording which can give you important information about the shot composition, focus, and exposure. An articulating screen helps you focus on other aspects of your video without worrying about the basics.
Autofocus
If you’re a filmmaker, manual focus is generally what you would look for, however, to keep recording your video as simple as easy as possible, having a camera with great autofocus is important. If you can procure one that comes with face/eye tracking, it can certainly help, especially if you move a lot in your videos. The focus will adjust automatically to compensate for your movement.
Built-in stabilization
Speaking of moving around a lot while shooting video, it can sometimes result in shaky footage that can be hard to watch (unless you’re remaking the Blair Witch Project). Many cameras made these days come with built-in image stabilization that will compensate for motion automatically. Not every camera is the same in this regard. Some are better than others.
Audio options
The microphone on a camera can record the sound for your video without a problem. An external microphone however can improve the clarity of the audio and also help reduce and ambient noise you might not want. Before choosing a camera, check for mic inputs plus a hot shoe for mounting a mic. Some cameras may even come with a headphone input so you can monitor the audio while recording.
Live Streaming options
If you’re going to be editing your video before uploading them, having a live-streaming option may not be necessary for you. On the other hand, if you want to broadcast live, it’s worth checking to see if the camera you buy supports YouTube live streaming. More and more cameras are coming with live streaming built-in, meaning that it’s not just webcams and smartphones covering the market.
Best YouTube Cameras for 2021 – Overview
So, we know to look for an articulating screen, with good stabilization, audio recording, and maybe live streaming built-in. Not a bad list to focus on. Luckily, we think that the list we’ve compiled below can check some if not all of the things that you should be looking for in a camera for YouTube. Don’t believe us? Keep reading.
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III – $649
- Canon EOS 90D – $1199
- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K – $1995
- Sony A6600 – $648
- GoPro Hero9 Black – $449
- Canon EOS M6 Mark II – $849
- Panasonic S5 – $1998
- Sony A6000 – $648
- Olympus E-M5 Mark III – $1046
- Sony ZV-1 – $798
- Panasonic Lumix GH5S – $1998
- Fujifilm X-T4 – $1699
- DJI Osmo Pocket – $299
- Panasonic G100 – $797
- Panasonic Lumix G95 – $997
Best YouTube Cameras for 2021
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
A great compact camera with 4K and live-streaming capabilities
Max video resolution/frame rate: 4K UHD at 30p | AF points: 31 | eight: 304g | Battery life (CIPA): 235 sho\ts
Sometimes you just need a camera for YouTube that’s powerful, convenient, easy to use, and most importantly, affordable. Luckily, the PowerShot G7 X Mark III from Canon check all of those boxes. It comes with a fast 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens that is not only versatile but gives you real flexibility. The camera produces beautiful 4K UHD video at 30fps but there is a 10-minute time limit on this high-quality footage. If live-streaming is your thing, the PowerShot G7 can broadcast right to YouTube. If you’re just beginning or maybe have a little experience with YouTube videos, this camera is a perfect option that just works.
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Canon EOS 90D
A perfect blend of classic handling with excellent video capabilities
Max video resolution/frame rate: 4K video at 30p | AF points: 45 (all cross-type) | Weight: 701g | Battery life (CIPA): 1300 shots
With the release of the EOS 90D from Canon, you can tell that the manufacturer has emphasized the video market with its uncropped 4K video support, microphone, and headphone ports, and Full HD at up to 120p. While it still holds onto its DSLR legacy, meaning that it is heavier and clunkier than other options out there, it’s also weather-sealed and also comes with an impressive viewfinder. The only real downsides are a lack of in-body stabilization and only one card slot. Otherwise, the EOS 90D is an absolute steal.
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Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
The best professional camera for YouTube
Max video resolution/frame rate: 6K at 50p | AF points: Not specified | Weight: 898g | Battery life (CIPA): Not specified (real-world tests indicate approx 45 minutes of 6K shooting)
With an already great reputation amongst filmmakers, Blackmagic cameras are excellent options that produce amazing footage as easily as possible. The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K was a surprise to many but received rave reviews just the same. A large Super 35 sensor and being able to shoot 6K footage at 60fps makes the camera a great option for creating YouTube videos. With a Canon EF mount on board, the camera will be able to use many of the great lenses that Canon offers, saving you some money in the long run. The 6K camera is an excellent choice for anyone who is seriously considering turning their YouTube channel into a career.
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Sony A6600
A great combination of autofocus and in-body stabilization in an excellent camera
Max video resolution/frame rate: 4K at 30p | AF points: Not specified | Weight: 503g | Battery life (CIPA): 720 shots
While some may prefer the Sony A6400 over the A6600 because it’s a cheaper option, we’ve chosen the latter and with good reason. While the video specs are almost identical to the A6400, including 24.4MP Exmor APS-C sensor and Bionz X processor. You will notice a few key features that make the A6600 a better camera for YouTube including in-body image stabilization, mic and headphone ports, plus the Real-time Eye Autofocus for movies which is an excellent addition. While the tiny buttons and confusing menus might make some users frustrated, the A6600 is a great camera for anyone looking to post amazing videos on YouTube.
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GoPro Hero9 Black
The perfect camera for all your outdoor YouTube creations
Max video resolution/frame rate: 5K video at 30p | AF points: Not specified | Weight: 159g | Battery life roughly 90 to 100 minutes
It’s a pretty safe bet that we don’t have to tell you what a GoPro is. Already a household name, their waterproof design offers you a versatility that you won’t find on any other camera on our list. Sporting a new front screen to make vlogging easier using the Hero 9 Black, it also features best-in-class image stabilization for smooth footage no matter the conditions. If you’re an adrenaline junkie and want a camera you can mount to a mountain bike, take down the Colorado rapids, or just out of a plane with, the Hero 9 Black from GoPro is the best option you have right now.
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Canon EOS M6 Mark II
A camera that’s ideal for vloggers
Max video resolution/frame rate: 4K video at 30p | AF points: Not specified | Weight: 408g | Battery life up to 410 shots
A great compact camera, the EOS M6 Mark II from Canon is packed with an APS-C sensor along with a high resolution of 32.5MP. While that’s great for people shooting still shots, videographers focused on YouTube have plenty to like about this camera. A flip-up touchscreen is great for self-shooting plus the camera can shoot 4K at 30fps or even 1080p at a nice 120fps. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF with eye detection helps keep your face in focus throughout your videos. Although the small selection of native lenses may be a huge drawback for some, if you’re focused on YouTube, this won’t affect you much as you can use the screen for shot composition. If you do want to broaden your photography horizons, you can adapt Canon’s huge range of EF lenses to branch out into different areas.
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Panasonic S5
A full-frame camera with a lot to offer
Max video resolution/frame rate: 4K video at 60p (cropped | AF points: Not specified | Weight: 714g | Battery life up to 470 shots
While previous iterations of Panasonic’s full-frame camera line didn’t catch on with consumers, the S5 looks to address those issues with a smaller and more portable body, along with better autofocusing, while still keeping the specs that will appeal to vloggers and YouTubers, Features such as 4K recording, a fully articulating screen, dual memory cards and support for V-log. Starting at 20mm, the standard kit lens is well-suited to filming clips to the camera. While the downside is still a lack of super-fast autofocus and that the lenses tend to be on the big and bulky side, overall the S5 from Panasonic is a good hybrid all-around camera.
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Sony A6000
The best budget-friendly camera for YouTube
Max video resolution/frame rate: Full HD at 60p | AF points: 179 | Weight: 344g | Battery life (CIPA): 360 shots
While the A6000 from Sony is a bit long in the tooth and many newer versions in the A6000 range have been released, there is a reason why this one is still so popular with YouTubers. Even without some of the bells and whistles that newer cameras come with such as 4K video and a streamlined menu, the A6000 still has chops with its 24MP APS-C sensor and a 179-point autofocus system. The E-mount lets you access numerous great lenses and the footage you can produce still looks amazing. While the newest cameras may have a ton of appeal, sometimes looking at a previous release can give you a diamond in the rough.
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Olympus E-M5 Mark III
A lightweight camera, packed with features
Max video resolution/frame rate: 4K at 30p | AF points: 121 | Weight: 414g | Battery life (CIPA): 310 shots
With a lightweight polycarbonate construction plus high-quality in-body image stabilization, the E-M5 Mark III from Olympus is a dream for YouTubers. With a feeling of being created solely for long, handheld recording sessions, the Mark III has some impressive specs including Cinema 4K at 24fps along with a bit-rate of 237Mbps. The camera also comes with the ability to capture slo-mo video in 1080p resolution at 120fps. While its Four Thirds sensor may not be as large as those on many mirrorless options out there, the Mark III may lag when it comes to outright image quality although the video footage captured gives your great color rendition and superb detail. Plus, its variable angle touchscreen makes self-shooting easy. If you’re looking for a camera to shoot traditional photos, you may want to look elsewhere but it is a powerful option for making YouTube videos.
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Sony ZV-1
A perfect camera for beginners
Max video resolution/frame rate: 4K video at 30p | AF points: 315 | Weight: 294g | Battery life (CIPA): 260 shots
Unlike many of Sony’s past compact and mirrorless cameras, the ZV-1 puts video capabilities at the forefront and still shooting as an extra. The ZV-1 is designed to be a vlogging camera first and foremost with a bunch of features that come standard with the camera. Features like an on-board directional microphone are a nice touch and keep you from having to buy one, saving you money. While it’s a newer camera from Sony, the autofocus is one of the best available. Overall, the ZV-1 is great for someone just getting started with YouTube and the camera’s automated modes help streamline the process.
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Panasonic Lumix GH5S
Best high-end camera for creating videos
Max video resolution/frame rate: C4K/4K UHD at up to 60/50fps | AF points: 225 | Weight: 660g | Battery life (CIPA): 440 shots
While it’s not the newest camera on the block, the GH5S from Panasonic still offers YouTubers some of the best specs available today. The multi-aspect sensor lets you shoot at different aspect ratios with ease such as in Cinema 4K 17:9 format. It also offers a Dual Native ISO meaning that the video produced has less noise and is cleaner. With its DSLR-esque design, it’s easy to hold and with no time limits on a recording, you can shoot till you fall asleep. With features like 10-bit 4K footage as well as 10x slow-motion in Full HD, the GH5S from Panasonic is a capable camera.
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Fujifilm X-T4
A brilliant APS-C camera that’s perfect for YouTube
Max video resolution/frame rate:4K at 60p | AF points: 425 | Weight: 607g | Battery life (CIPA): 500 shots
While its aesthetics may scream retro, the X-T4 is anything but old school. Fujifilm’s packed a lot of features into their most advanced APS-C camera yet and it makes the X-T4 perfect for YouTube. Weather-resistant, the camera comes with a touchscreen that is fully articulate which is helpful when framing shorts. Along with Cinema 4K at up to 60fps, the camera also supports 10-bit internal recording, HDMI out, HLF profiles, and up to 400Mbps bit-rate. With super slow-motion up to Full HD at 240fps, X-T4 becomes a very versatile option for YouTube. With other features including five-axis image stabilization, autofocus with improves eye- and face-detection, the X-T4 may be pricey but is a serious tool for YouTubers.
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DJI Osmo Pocket
A great, take-everywhere camera
Max video resolution/frame rate: 4K video at 60p | AF points: Not specified | Weight: 116g | Battery life (CIPA): 140 minutes
If you’re on the move a lot, you normally would need to attach a gimbal to your camera or buy a handheld camera/gimbal combo such as the Osmo Pocket from DJI. A great option for traveling, it can be taken pretty much anywhere and produces reliably smooth video due in large part to its three-axis gimbal mechanism. With 4K resolution at 60p, the quality is great for this type of camera putting it in the neighborhood with some of the best action cameras. While the sound quality could be better, the Osmo Pocket is a great choice for travel vlogging.
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Panasonic G100
A great camera for video that boasts amazing sound
Max video resolution/frame rate: up to 4K video at up to Full HD | AF points: Not specified | Weight: 352g | Battery life (CIPA): 270 shots
Just because you might be shooting YouTube videos all day, it doesn’t mean that you can take still photos as well. With the G100 from Panasonic, you can do just that as it is one of the strongest contenders out there with a viewfinder and 3.69-million EVF dot. While that won’t mean much to a vlogger, for still photos, it’s great for shooting in bright conditions. This doesn’t mean that it’s not great for video as well. The Nokia Ozo-equipped triple microphone does a great job isolating voices from background noise. The overall video quality is very good with plenty of detail and good colors. The only real knocks on the G100 are a 1.6x crop in 4K mode and the autofocus system is slightly older. If your YouTube channel doesn’t feature a lot of movement, then the G100 from Panasonic is one of the best 4K all-rounders that you can buy.
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Panasonic Lumix G95
A tremendous weatherproof camera loaded with options.
Max video resolution/frame rate: 4K at 30p | AF points: Not specified | Weight: 533g | Battery life (CIPA): 290 shots
Designed with video in mind, the G95 comes with features aplenty that make it a great choice for shooting YouTube content. Along with in-body image stabilization, the G95 features a flip-out OLED touchscreen, mic and headphone inputs, weatherproof build, and a wide variety of video formats – including V-Log L – make the G95 a versatile and powerful camera. While it is a bit pricey for a mid-range model, it is cheaper than some of the other options that Panasonic creates and offers many of the same benefits.
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Best YouTube Cameras for 2021
In 2019, the highest-paid YouTuber was a nine-year-old who made a reported 26 million dollars. That’s crazy! If there is one thing that his success has taught us is to go through our list of the best YouTube cameras for 2021 and start recording. Who knows, you could be the next YouTube millionaire.
The post Top 10 Best YouTube Cameras for 2021 first appeared on JUST™ Creative.
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